special pleading

noun

Law.��pleading that alleges special or new matter in avoidance of the allegations made by the opposite side.
pleading or arguing that ignores unfavorable features of a case.

special pleading

a pleading that alleges new facts that offset those put forward by the other side rather than directly admitting or denying those facts
a pleading that emphasizes the favourable aspects of a case while omitting the unfavourable

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First recorded in 1675–85

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Examples have not been reviewed.

“We’re here defending democracy. I found the special pleading for sportsmen quite sickening.”

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He said that complaints about the show’s accuracy were “special pleading” from royalists.

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At the time, Applegate, an actress with an aversion to special pleading, didn’t make excuses.

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Barnes captures the language of adoration with exquisite poise, the devoted student’s endless cycle of qualifications and special pleading.

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Like that earlier piece, Bowles employs exaggeration and special pleading to make her case.

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